Sports groups receive recycling bins

Conejo Recreation and Park District is partnering with some of its sports user groups to provide more efficient recycling on game days.

The district recently purchased 45 recycling containers and is distributing them to Amateur Baseball Development Group, AYSO Region 9, Conejo Valley Little League, Conejo Youth Flag Football Association, Newbury Park Girls' Softball, Newbury Park Pony Baseball and Thousand Oaks Little League. Overall, these organizations provide recreation to approximately 6,000 participants.

Although recycling does occur on an informal level at most fields, the effort will assist in the collection and recycling of appropriate containers, according to a district spokesperson.

"This is a win-win situation for everybody," said Tom Hare, administrator of parks and planning for CRPD. "The district is providing the receptacles to the organizations, who in turn will administer the programs at their respective sites. The end result is there will be more effective and efficient recycling in our community."

Friends and families of players attending sports events at the parks will be encouraged to recycle.

Hare hopes other permitted groups will join the effort.

"We still have the opportunity to expand the program to other organizations. We will supply the receptacles; the group just needs to put out and collect from containers at the end of the day and store them in a secure area on site."

The city of Thousand Oaks is also involved in the effort.

"We are delighted to be working with the Conejo Recreation and Park District and these sports groups to enhance our recycling efforts," said Stan Hakes, public works senior analyst, who has offered his expertise in the operational aspect of the program.